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TABLE OF CONTENTS:

1. 21 Ways to Relieve Stress

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1.  21 WAYS TO RELIEVE INTERNAL STRESS
By Garrett J. Braunreiter, GHF's Success Coach
http://www.worldpeakperformance.com


At the turn of the century -- before the fax, modem, computer and cellular phone era -- the average American workweek was 60 hours long. By 1970, it was down to 37 hours. 
In the 1990s, the average worker puts in 46 hours a week at the office and six more at home for a total of 52 hours, according to a recent survey. In addition, 40 percent of those surveyed said they'd work up to 10 more hours for extra pay, adding up to 62 hours -- two hours longer than in the horse-and-buggy days.

Thus most people feel they experience less leisure time and more daily stress as they juggle a career, family, friends, perpetual to-do lists, goals, and their community. In spite of life's demands, there are some simple and effective steps which can reduce daily pressures. Here are 21 ways you can lower your stress each day:

1. Begin the day with Power Questions. Rather than jumping out of bed and rushing to start your day, take a few minutes--from five to 15--to ask yourself these questions:

What am I happy about in my life now? 
What am I excited about in my life now? 
What am I proud about in my life now? 
What am I enjoying most in my life right now? 
What am I committed to in my life right now? 

Answer these questions, to yourself, out loud, or write them down to start your day in the right frame of mind, and to remind you of how today is perfect.

2. Go somewhere else for lunch.
Get out of the office and enjoy your noon meal at a park. Use this time to be with nature. Try this once or twice a week, especially now that the weather is getting warmer. Eat slowly, enjoy your meal, and relish the fresh air to rejuvenate you.

3. Remember, you WILL make mistakes.
They're called lessons. And you learn from lessons, yes? Many people are forever beating themselves up because they had forgot a meeting, forgot their lunch, only worked out for 20 minutes, had a piece of coffee cake, or didn't complete their to-do list.

The important thing to remember is: we all make mistakes, and will make mistakes. It's our job to focus on SOLVING or LEARNING from the problem or mistake, not wallow in it.

4. Carry the serenity prayer with you. (Got this idea from a client.)
This 25-word prayer, written years ago by Professor Rein hold Nebular at Union Theological Seminary in New York, has helped many people regain balance in their lives: "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to knowthe difference." Carry those words with you and memorize them.

5. Give yourself a much deserved pat on the back.
Each day, take a moment to pat yourself on the back for all the things you did. This will shift your perspective, helping you appreciate the great balancing act you pull off daily--working, parenting, volunteering, maintaining a social life, caring for elders, etc.

6. Create an image of peace in your mind.
Several times during your workday, pause briefly to create a peaceful image in your mind. For example, picture yourself flying (NOT in a plane, but YOU flying over mountains, meadows, forests, oceans, gently gliding across the sky, admiring the view below. The more you practice this technique, the easier you will relieve daily stresses.

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